Innovative open data tools have a key role to play in increasing trust in governments and fighting corruption. However, these tools are only effective if private and public actors can make sense of the data and have the capacity to implement changes using tailored accountability mechanisms.

Based on the example of Clean Romania!, a watchdog platform that encourages whistleblowing and citizens’ watch, the Hertie School together with its partners launched the DIGIWHIST project. In the framework of this project a new European watchdog portal on public procurement comprising 34 European country portals will be created.

During this panel discussion several successful examples that were recently developed to increase citizen engagement will be presented. The panelists will discuss the findings from investigations they have worked on and will answer questions such as how open online data can be used effectively; and how the accessibility of public data can shape the future of reducing corruption.

Discussants:

Rachel Davies, Senior Advocacy Manager, Transparency International UK

Ilya Shumanov, Head of Kaliningrad Regional Office, Transparency International Russia